As we finished up classes for 2017 and examined the students who had finished their courses and those who had not, our director at our Auckland Institute Building (AIB) had a great poster made up.  It is appropriate not only in Institute, but for the students in their University courses (I remember discussing this same problem back home when I served on the Weber University Board of Trustees) , in your job, in parenting, in hard challenges, in life in general, and in the eternities.  It reads simply: “FINISHERS WANTED”.   A great reminder of another reason to be finishers, for those coming behind us.  When asked why she spent so much time studying, researching, working to learn, and then sharing all she learned with her kids, Lou's mom said it was because she wanted her kids to start from her shoulders and not have to start from the ground up. Elder David A, Bednar said to YSA's in Septemebr 2017: “ Your decisions affect those who come after you.” Keep working

Meri Kirihimete (a Maori Merry Christmas) from New Zealand!  As we look over the list of recipients we love you all and have sweet memories of our times together.  Thank you.  We hope your Christmas is calm and bright.    Some of you have advent calendars to count off the 25 days of December until Christmas, some of you have been “lighting the world” with 25 days of Christmas.  Good on you!  In keeping with “25” we have observed or tried 25 possible activities that think can make you feel good in some way this Christmas season.  We suggest: #25.   Dress up and dance. Granddaughters Adi and Gwynee recommend it as a daily activity, they endorse the tutu but we have found anything that makes you feel special works. #24.   Read good books.   Granddaughter Livy has found reading a good book is especially invigorating. #23.  Swim with your dog (or run or go for walks).  It makes him feel loved.  This attention has been found to work on people too.